playerinfluenced

Playerinfluenced refers to a design philosophy and a range of mechanics in video games where the actions and decisions of the player have a tangible and significant impact on the game's narrative, world, or progression. This contrasts with games that follow a more linear or predetermined path. The core concept is that the player is not merely an observer but an active participant whose choices shape the experience.

Mechanisms of player influence can vary widely. They might include branching storylines where different choices lead to distinct plot developments and endings, or systems that allow for character customization and development that affect gameplay abilities and interactions. Environmental changes, such as building or destroying parts of the game world, or the consequences of player actions on non-player characters (NPCs), like gaining or losing their trust, are also common forms of player influence. Resource management and strategic decision-making, where choices about allocation impact future opportunities, further exemplify this concept. Ultimately, playerinfluenced design aims to foster a sense of agency and investment by making the player's role central to the unfolding game.